Automated package shipping machine

1. A method of mailing parcels and envelopes using an automated shipping machine, comprising the steps of: receiving payment information from a customer; receiving package type information identifying a parcel or envelope to be mailed; weighing said parcel or envelope to be mailed; receiving shipping information from said customer including at least a destination of said parcel or envelope to be mailed; computing from said package type information, shipping information, and weight information, a delivery date and cost for delivery of said parcel or envelope to said destination via at least two delivery service options available to said customer; receiving an indication of the delivery service option desired by the customer; printing a tracking bar code label identifying at least said destination; printing a shipping receipt for an amount including at least the cost of delivering said parcel or envelope to said destination via the delivery service chosen by said customer; validating receipt of said parcel or envelope as the parcel or envelope for which said tracking bar code label was printed; and storing a validated parcel or envelope in a secure storage area until said parcel or envelope is subsequently picked up by a commercial delivery person.

2. An automated shipping machine for use in mailing parcels and envelopes, comprising: means for receiving payment information from a customer; a scale for weighing a parcel or envelope to be mailed; a processor which receives package type information identifying said parcel or envelope to be mailed, shipping information from said customer including at least a destination of said parcel or envelope to be mailed, computes from said package type information, shipping information, and weight information from said scale, a delivery date and cost for delivery of said parcel or envelope to said destination via at least two delivery service options available to said customer, and receives an indication of the delivery service option desired by the customer; a printer responsive to said processor so as to print a tracking bar code label identifying at least said destination and to print a shipping receipt for an amount including at least the cost of delivering said parcel or envelope to said destination via the delivery service chosen by said customer; and means for validating receipt of said parcel or envelope as the parcel or envelope for which said shipping label was printed by said printer, whereby a validated parcel or envelope is taken by an attendant for storage in a secure storage area until said parcel or envelope is subsequently picked up by a commercial delivery person.